Up and Coming: Drew Granger

Meet Drew Granger, 23, of Hazlehurst, director of basketball operations for the women’s basketball team at Southern Miss.

Granger played football for four years, from 2011-14, and graduated from Delta State University in 2015 with a degree in sports informatics with a double minor in journalism and health, physical education and recreation. His parents are Derrel and Dee Granger of Hazlehurst and Tim and Valarie Oglesby of Brookhaven. He has two brothers, Kolby Oglesby, 18, and Spence Granger, 15, and a sister, Madalyn Oglesby, 17.

What advice would you give people who want to get into the same line of work as you?

Stay persistent, work hard and don’t be afraid to roll up your sleeves. I came here one year ago as an undergraduate intern. A strong relationship with God, a strong work ethic that I learned from my coaches in college and a strong core of solid mentors here at Southern Miss has truly been the key to the success I have seen thus far.

Why did you choose to live and work in the Hattiesburg area?

I have always loved Hattiesburg. A lot of my family are Southern Miss alumni, and I grew up coming to games. The entire Pine Belt community is like one big family. Plus, the food is amazing. When my girlfriend comes into town I never have a hard time finding a great place to take her.

What do you do in your free time?

I like to be outside in my free time. Playing sports along with hunting and fishing are probably my favorite things to do. I am a big Saints fan so on Sundays you can probably find me watching the game with friends.

If you could meet anyone, living or dead, who would it be and why?

I don’t know if I could just name one. Coach Jim Valvano has to be on that list. Jimmy V’s speech at the ESPY Award Show is an all-time classic. To this day I listen to it on a regular basis. Steve Gleason is still alive, and I would love to meet him. That man has all the adversity in the world against him and that doesn’t stop him from living his life to its fullest potential. Pat Tillman, Theodore Roosevelt and Troy H. Middleton also need to be at that table.

If you could go back 10 years and give a younger you tips or advice on life, work or anything in general, what would it be?

Don’t let the little things get you down. Some moments throughout your life feel like if something doesn’t work then your life is over. Don’t mistake the forest from the trees. Always keep your head up and move forward.